About 6/7 years ago I saw this music video by someone who called himself D'banj. The song was titled 'Kiss me again'. I kinda liked it but never paid it much attention. Alot of people didn't pay that young guy much attention then. He even said his parents wanted him to go to school and forget about music, so I guess back then, he didn't get much support from family, friends and music lovers.
One would think the young man would give up and focus on other things, but he must have known what he had inside of him, he must have seen the great future he'll have if he contiued to pursue his dream, so instead of giving up, he traveled to the UK. I really don't know what exactly he did in the UK for the few years he was there. All I know is that he came back in 2005 and this time around, he got our attention.
Not only the attention of music lovers, but captains of industries, State Executives, Governors, the Senate President, even the Oba of Lagos. He’s made us all recognize him.
His meteoric rise is phenomenal!
But how did he do it? Don’t you guys ever wonder? How did he go from an unknown, struggling artist to the greatest artiste in Nigeria at the moment? His first hit single was ‘Tongolo’ in 2005, how did he rise to the top in three years? From making nothing to making 10million naira a week (according to him), winning numerous awards, including MTV African Artiste of the Year, and also becoming a UN Ambassador.
Dbanj and ex-Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu
What took Dapo Oyebanjo from obscurity to greatness? Some say it’s his talent, others think it's because he carved a niche for himself, some say it’s maybe his lyrics, while others think he’s just blessed.
I think it’s all of that put together + hard work, dedication, perseverance, focus, belief and confidence in who he is and what he’s capable of. And of course he found someone (Don Jazzy) who believed in him.
This is some of the ingredient we need to be great…meaning that anyone of us can be this great or even greater, we just have to have the right ingredient.
Dbanj's parents and Governors Fashola and Tinubu
Dbanj is not only an artiste and ambassador; he’s also an astute businessman. He’s the Vice-president of Mohits Records; he’s partnering with Bank PHB for an upcoming reality show, and Globacom for the KOKO range of handsets, he recently launched Koko condoms and I hear also that Koko Water is in the works.
Understanding the importance of giving back, he started a foundation - Koko Foundation, where he’s helping motherless babies and giving scholarships.
Dbanj and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu (pix thanks to Ayeni the great)
I’m sure he has women at the snap of his fingers, but he doesn’t go around impregnating them or acquiring mistresses. And anyone who’s met him will tell you he’s humble, funny, nice and very accomodating.
Best of all, his new album, ‘the entertainer’ is a masterpiece…
Personally, I think this is what it means to be great. I duff my hat for this young man who’s teaching us all a thing a two on how to make our lives meaningful.
We can’t all be D’banj, we can’t all be talented singers or entrepreneurs, but we all can make meaning of our lives and be the greatest we can be, in any field we choose…It's really up to us.
Dapo, you’re a shining example. We are all proud of you.
Meanwhile I'm sure y'all know that famous blogger and journalist, Niyi Tabiti, got married last weekened...here are some pictures from his wedding. Pix thanks to http://solafolowosele.blogspot.com/
Here's wishing my dear friend the best of married life
I'm out, see y'all tomorrow.
Cheers.
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